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DP Note 27/67(a) (Draft)(Continued)
tions for the Army would be very considerable, and would
include a large increase in the long term world-wide Army
force levels. These implications are set out in detail at
Annex.
ROYAL NAVY
the presence of at least
10.
The Commander-in-Chief's requirement for one escort and for a few
three MCM vessels to be based in Hong Kong after the withdrawal
from Singapore can be met. This will involve the restoration of
maintenance facilities and an increase in maintenance personnel
at the base.
11.
After the Aden commitment is over an LPH will be more often
available to reinforce Hong Kong with Royal Navy helicopters.
Sec
151
ROYAL AIR FORCE
12.
Helicopters.
While Royal Air Force helicopters are
deployed in the theatre and are not otherwise committed, it would
be possible to meet the Commander-in-Chief's requirement to
maintain a presence in Hong Kong. The position after the final
withdrawal of air forces from Malaysia and Singapore should be
reconsidered nearer the time,
13. Fighter Aircraft.
While fighter aircraft are deployed in
the theatre, and are not otherwise committed, it should be
possible to provide detachments to Hong Kong from time to
time. The operational effectiveness of these forces whilst in
Hong Kong would be influenced by the local limitations in the
Control and Reporting facilities, some shortcomings in operational
facilities at Kai Tak airfield, and a lack of a suitable diversion
airfield for Lightnings. In these circumstances, therefore,
the detachments would be more of political value than military.
14. Support at Kai Tak Airfield.
Permanent deployment of
helicopters at Kai Tak and fighter aircraft detachments would
require an increase in Royal Air Force supporting elements at
the airfield.
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